FAQ

Q:

1. What is the difference between 3DLS-K1 and 3DLS-K2 in terms of resolution? Does 3DLS-K2 have a better resolution?

A:

Yes and No. The difference between the 3DLS-K1 and 3DLS-K2 is that the K1 has one Sick scanner and the K2 has two Sick scanners. So, for a fixed turning speed the K2 has the double update frequency compared to K1. If the updated frequency of both scanners is equal (which means that the motor of K1 has to turn 2x faster than that one of K2) then the resolution of the K2 scanner is 2 times higher of K1. The vertical resolution is not influenced by the turning speed.

Q:

What would happen if an outdoor laser ( LMS-291) were used for indoor scanning?

A:

The difference between the indoor and outdoor version of the Sick Scanner is the precision and the statistical error. The outdoor version (30 m, black wall) has a lower resolution as the indoor version (10 m, black wall) but both scanners are eye safe (laser class 1) For details please look to the.
Sick web site

Q:

Can an LMS-200 in a 3DLS-K1 be easily switched to an LMS 291, or vice versa?

A:

Yes. If you have both scanner you can exchange the scanners with 8 screws. Software interface and the software protocol are the same.

Q:

Can other SICK laser such as an LD-LRS replace your LMS laser?

A:

On the hardware side it is possible to mount other scanners at the turning unit with an adapter
but other scanner are not supported by the software.

Q:

What programming languages are compatible with your APIs

A:

C++. Linux g++, Windows Visual C.

Q:

Does your software filter any noises from the scanned data? If any, is it a real-time or post process?

A:

No direct filter. We scan in real time with the highest frequency, but filtering can be added easily.

Q:

What is the motor (panning device)'s angular resolution?

A:

This only depends on the speed of the motor. A turning speed of 19.2 sec (around 3 rpm)
leads to a vertical resolution of 0.25 degree (3DLS-K1). Speeds from 60 to 1 rpm are possible (rpm = Rounds per Minute).

Q:

How do you deal with the scanned data? In memory? or hard-disk?

A:

The scanner comes with a software API with a full access to the scan data. Saving the data is just one function call

Q:

What is the typical file size if the system scans a 360 degree of scene such as Pavilion_scanner.avi below?

A:

The Pavilion was scanned very fast (1.2 sec). Typically one scanner delivers 181 values every 13.3 ms. So, in 1.2 seconds (90 scans a 181 values) it delivers 16290 values (3DLS K1). The 3DLS-K2 delivers 32580 points (two times more then K1) at the same time.